Engine failure and ditching of aircraft near Son Bonet Airport

1 fatality • Palma de Mallorca, Spain • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft performing a non-scheduled flight from Palma to Ibiza ditched in the sea following a dual engine power loss during its initial climb.

What happened

During a night flight departing from Son Bonet Airport, an aircraft was conducting an unscheduled service traveling from Palma toward Ibiza. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was in its climbing phase, both engines experienced a simultaneous loss of power. As the plane lost altitude, the captain executed a controlled ditching a few kilometers away from the coastline.

Upon impacting the water, the aircraft slid across the surface for several yards before coming to a complete stop. All 28 occupants on board managed to evacuate the cabin and entered the water using life vests. Approximately five minutes after the impact, the vessel sank beneath the surface. During the incident, one fatality occurred due to drowning, while the remaining 27 survivors were successfully rescued from the water.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the ditching was the simultaneous loss of power in both engines during the climb phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a dual engine failure shortly after takeoff, necessitating an emergency ditching at sea.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1964-06-21 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Palma de Mallorca, Spain?

An aircraft performing a non-scheduled flight from Palma to Ibiza ditched in the sea following a dual engine power loss during its initial climb.

Were there any fatalities in the 1964-06-21 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1964-06-21 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration EC-AQH, operated by TASSA Transportes Aéreos, at Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered a dual engine failure shortly after takeoff, necessitating an emergency ditching at sea.

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